Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Comparing Mohamed Salah to Liverpool’s greatest goal scorers

As the curtain potentially draws on Mohamed Salah’s glittering Liverpool career, fans are left to reflect on his extraordinary impact at Anfield. The Egyptian forward, who has been instrumental in Arne Slot’s impressive start as Liverpool manager, will have his contract up in the summer, despite the Reds being tipped for the title with the Premier League betting at the time of writing.

Whether this marks the end of his time in Merseyside or simply another chapter, Salah’s contributions have already cemented his status as one of the greatest players to don the famous red shirt.

Since joining Liverpool in 2017, Salah has rewritten the record books as Liverpool’s most consistent player, producing spectacular goals, and countless match-winning performances.

Beyond individual accolades, his relentless drive has helped Liverpool secure domestic and European glory, including the elusive Premier League title in 2020.

But where does Salah rank among Liverpool’s greatest Premier League-era goal scorers? The days of Ian Rush and Kenny Dalglish are hard to compare to the modern greats like the Egyptian King, but Salah’s goal scoring numbers speak for themselves – becoming the eighth highest scorer in Premier League history.

Let’s compare him to other iconic forwards who have also left indelible marks on the club’s Premier League  history.

Michael Owen

Though not the most popular figure now as a former Manchester United player, Michael Owen burst onto the scene as a teenager, quickly becoming Liverpool’s talisman in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Known for his blistering pace and clinical finishing, Owen twice won the Premier League Golden Boot and famously claimed the Ballon d’Or in 2001 after a stellar year that included FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Cup triumphs.

While his time at Liverpool ended in 2004, his 158 goals for the club ensured his legacy as one of their most prolific and exciting forwards before moves to Real Madrid, Newcastle and United.

Fernando Torres

Few strikers have ignited Anfield quite like Fernando Torres. The Spaniard arrived from Atletico Madrid in 2007 after their Champions League defeat to AC Milan and immediately struck fear into Premier League defences with his lethal blend of speed, power, and technical skill.

In his debut season, Torres scored 33 goals in all competitions, including a then-record 24 league goals for a foreign player in their first Premier League campaign under Rafa Benitez.

Though his time at Liverpool was cut short by his move to Chelsea in 2011, El Nino’s 81 goals in 142 appearances left fans with unforgettable memories of his brilliance.

Luis Suarez

A January arrival from Ajax, Luis Suarez took Liverpool’s attacking game to a different level during his time at the club from 2011 to 2014. Renowned for his audacious skill and work ethic, Suarez was capable of scoring from almost anywhere on the pitch – to many Liverpool fans, he is perhaps the most talented footballer to grace the Anfield turf.

His remarkable 2013/14 campaign saw him net 31 Premier League goals in 33 games, earning him the Golden Boot and nearly propelling Liverpool to their first league title in decades.

Despite controversy often shadowing his career, Suarez’s talent and flair earned him a special place in Liverpool’s history books as El Pistolero – the gunslinger of Montevideo who almost dragged the Reds to the title.

Roberto Firmino

Unlike traditional strikers, Roberto Firmino’s role in Liverpool’s attack was defined by creativity, intelligence, and unselfishness. As the central figure in Jurgen Klopp’s pressing system, Firmino played a crucial part in linking up play and creating space for his teammates.

While his 111 goals for the club may not rival others numerically, his influence on the pitch was undeniable. Firmino’s ability to score important goals and connect with Salah and Sadio Mane epitomised Liverpool’s modern success.

Together, Salah, Firmino and Sadio Mane formed one of the most iconic attacking trios in football history. Their understanding, movement, and unselfishness made Liverpool a nightmare for any defence, culminating in the 2019/20 Premier League title win and the 2019 Champions League triumph.

Over several seasons, they defined an era of relentless success and attacking brilliance, setting benchmarks for future generations.

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